FACT 2014

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 29 of 123

metro-magazine.com 26
<
m ETRO m AGAZINE FACT BOOK 2015
2014
Metro 10-year timeline
to use voice and tap commands to re-
ceive real-time information alerts for
an approaching bus or train, view route
information and track transit vehicle
locations in real time.
Foxx uses bus tour to urge transit
investment
April – U.S. Transportation Secre-
tary Anthony Foxx launched the "In-
vest in America, Commit to the Future"
bus tour to showcase the importance
of transportation investment. During
his tour, which included visits to man-
ufacturers, bridges, freight facilities
and highway projects, Foxx spoke with
business leaders, stakeholders and
members of communities.
Former T&I Chairman, champion of
'intermodality,' Oberstar dies
June – James Oberstar, former chair-
man of the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee and long-
time transportation advocate, died
in May at age 79. His legacy is visible
throughout his home state where his
infuence secured funding for public
works projects, including the Northstar
commuter rail system. At the feder-
al level, Oberstar had an international
reputation as an expert and as an advo-
cate of public investments to spur pri-
vate growth.
Greyhound celebrates 100 years
June – Greyhound is commemorat-
ing its 100th anniversary, by showcas-
ing its growth from one vehicle operat-
ing out of Hibbing, Minn., to its current
'Polar Vortex' freezes up Midwest
transit service
January – Snow, ice, and an arctic
blast of freezing dense air known as the
"polar vortex" severely impacted tem-
peratures and made mass transporta-
tion difcult throughout the country in
January, particularly in the Midwest.
Te snow and sub-zero temperatures
began impacting Metra, Chicago Tran-
sit Authority and Amtrak, where pas-
sengers on the latter had to spend the
night aboard trains due to impassable
tracks.
Seattle aerial gondola system linking
waterfront proposed
April – A Seattle developer an-
nounced plans to build an aerial gon-
dola system that would carry pas-
sengers from the Washington State
Convention Center down Union Street
to the waterfront, with a stop at Pike
Place Market. Te proposed system
would travel half a mile and feature
three stations, eight support columns
and will be funded solely by private in-
vestment.
Utah creates Google Glass transit
tracking app
April – Some Utah Transit Authority
bus and train riders are getting a sneak
peak at wearable technology now that
Utah.gov launched a transit track-
ing app for Google Glass, "OnTime for
Glass." Google Glass users will be able
standing as one of the world's most
iconic brands and an integral part of
America's transportation infrastructure.
'Pop-up' bus services launches in
Boston area
July – A new "pop-up" bus service,
with routes dictated by data about peo-
ple's commutes from Google Earth,
Facebook, Foursquare, Twitter and
LinkedIn, launched in Massachusetts
in June. Te private service uses char-
tered buses and is run by a start-up
technology company called Bridj. Te
coaches feature comfortable seats and
Wi-Fi and costs $6 per ride.
Mobile app helps MTS move
ComicCon fans
August – San Diego Metropolitan
Transportation System's (MTS) Trol-
ley system handles more than 215,000
passengers during the annual Comic-
Con festivities. To help attendees avoid
long trolley ticket lines, the MTS intro-
duced a mobile ticketing app.
Founder of Bobit Business Media
passes away
August – Ed Bobit, founder and
chairman of Bobit Business Media,
parent company of METRO Magazine
and many other brands, passed away
June 29 at the age of 86. He founded the
company in 1961 and grew the busi-
ness to include more than 20 maga-
zines as well as various trade shows
and websites in the automotive, bus,
protection and beauty felds.
METRO: 2004-2014
July 2014
February/March 2014 F e b r u a r y / M a r c h 2 0 1 4
J u l y 2 0 1 4
September/October 2014 S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4